The causal relationship between obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation: a study based on mediated Mendelian randomization.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that is associated with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Obesity and OSA may increase the risk of AF by affecting cardiovascular health. Methods: The study used the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, combined with two-sample and multivariable analyses, to assess the relationships between obesity, OSA, and AF. The study utilized GWAS data and applied various statistical methods for the analysis. Results: The study found that obesity increased the risk of OSA, which in turn significantly increased the risk of AF. Through mediating MR analysis, it was found that OSA played a certain role in the causal relationship between obesity and AF, with about 6.4% of the risk of AF being mediated by OSA. Conclusion: This study highlights the relationships among obesity, OSA, and AF, providing useful guidance for future clinical researches.

Nanoscrolls of Janus Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.

Tubular structures of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted attention in recent years due to their emergent physical properties, such as the giant bulk photovoltaic effect and chirality-dependent superconductivity. To understand and control these properties, it is highly desirable to develop a sophisticated method to fabricate TMDC tubular structures with smaller diameters and a more uniform crystalline orientation. For this purpose, the rolling up of TMDC monolayers into nanoscrolls is an attractive approach to fabricating such a tubular structure. However, the symmetric atomic arrangement of a monolayer TMDC generally makes its tubular structure energetically unstable due to considerable lattice strain in curved monolayers. Here, we report the fabrication of narrow nanoscrolls by using Janus TMDC monolayers, which have an out-of-plane asymmetric structure. Janus WSSe and MoSSe monolayers were prepared by the plasma-assisted surface atom substitution of WSe2 and MoSe2 monolayers, respectively, and then were rolled by solution treatment. The multilayer tubular structures of Janus nanoscrolls were revealed by scanning transmission electron microscopy observations. Atomic resolution elemental analysis confirmed that the Janus monolayers were rolled up with the Se-side surface on the outside. We found that the present nanoscrolls have the smallest diameter of about 5 nm, which is almost the same as the value predicted by the DFT calculation. The difference in work functions between the S- and Se-side surfaces was measured by Kelvin probe force microscopy, which is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. Strong interlayer interactions and anisotropic optical responses of the Janus nanoscrolls were also revealed by Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Production of Double-Stranded RNA in Planta by a Potato Mop-Top Virus (PMTV)-Based Vector for Inducing Gene Silencing.

RNA silencing (also known as gene silencing) is an evolutionary conserved mechanism that is involved in regulating gene expression, suppressing mobile elements, and defensing virus infection. RNA silencing is triggered by double-stranded RNA via Dicer or Dicer-like riboendonucleases. DsRNAs are also the replication intermediates of all RNA viruses; as a result, plant RNA viruses are ideal candidates to induce RNA silencing. A large body of plant viruses have been modified into vectors for RNA silencing in varied plant species. Here, we described a simple, time-saving, and operable system for gene function and genetic breeding study of potato and Nicotiana benthamiana using a potato mop-top (MPTV)-based vector.

Transthyretin-Regulated Diabetic Retinopathy Through the VEGFA/PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Purpose: Transthyretin (TTR) plays a regulatory role in a variety of diabetes-related diseases. The objective of this work was to probe whether TTR affects diabetic retinopathy (DR) through the VEGFA/PI3K/AKT pathway. Methods: High glucose (HG, 25 mM) was used to treat human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) and C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with STZ (50 mg/kg) to construct a DR model. In vitro, the effect of TTR on DR was evaluated by measuring hRMEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The changes in retinal tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining in vivo. ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure VEGFA or CD31 levels. The levels of all proteins were evaluated through Western blot. Results: The increase of proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis and decrease of apoptosis in hRMECs caused by HG were notably reversed by TTR. TTR greatly impeded HG-raised VEGFA, PI3K p-p85, and p-AKT in hRMECs. Inhibition of TTR further exacerbated the effect of HG-induced hRMECs. Inhibition of VEGFA reversed the effect of HG-induced hRMECs. VEGFA neutralized the function of TTR on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis in HG-triggered hRMECs. It was further confirmed in vivo that TTR can alleviate the occurrence of DR in diabetic mice models. Conclusions: TTR significantly restrained the progression of DR via molecular modulation of the VEGFA/PI3K/AKT axis.

Synthesis and optical properties of WS2 nanotubes with relatively small diameters.

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanotubes exhibit various unique properties depending on their structures, such as their diameter and wall number. The development of techniques to prepare WS2 nanotubes with the desired structure is crucial for understanding their basic properties. Notably, the synthesis and characterization of multi-walled WS2 nanotubes with small diameters are challenging. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of small-diameter WS2 nanotubes with an average inner diameter of 6 nm. The optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the as-prepared nanotubes indicate that a decrease in the nanotube diameter induces a red-shift in the PL, suggesting that the band gap narrowed due to a curvature effect, as suggested by theoretical calculations.

Aqueous humor cytokine levels are associated with the severity of visual field defects in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the aqueous humor (AH) levels of cytokines in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and cataract patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight POAG patients and 26 cataract patients were recruited. Peripheral blood (PB) was collected from each subject. The POAG group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the severity of visual field defects. The cutoff point of the mean deviation (MD) of the visual field was -12 dB. AH was obtained at the time of anterior chamber puncture during cataract or glaucoma surgery by using a 27-gauge needle attached to a microsyringe. AH and PB levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-ß2) and IL-4 were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Postoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs) of POAG patients were recorded during the follow-up period. RESULTS: TNF-α and TGF-ß2 showed significantly higher AH levels in the POAG group than in the cataract group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). For the POAG group, preoperative IOPs were significantly positively correlated with AH levels of TNF-α (r2 = 0.129, P = 0.027) and TGF-ß2 (r2 = 0.273, P = 0.001). AH levels of TGF-ß2 were significantly different among cataract patients, POAG patients with MD> -12 dB and POAG patients with MD≤ -12 dB (P = 0.001). AH levels of TNF-α were significantly positively associated with IOP reduction after trabeculectomy (P = 0.025). AH and PB levels of cytokines were not related to the long-term success of trabeculectomy. CONCLUSION: The levels of TNF-α and TGF-ß2 showed different profiles in POAG patients and cataract patients. AH levels of TGF-ß2 were correlated with the severity of glaucomatous neuropathy in POAG patients. The findings suggest possible roles for cytokines in the pathogenesis and development of POAG.

Multilayer In-Plane Heterostructures Based on Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Advanced Electronics.

In-plane heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted much attention for high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices. To date, mainly monolayer-based in-plane heterostructures have been prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and their optical and electrical properties have been investigated. However, the low dielectric properties of monolayers prevent the generation of high concentrations of thermally excited carriers from doped impurities. To solve this issue, multilayer TMDCs are a promising component for various electronic devices due to the availability of degenerate semiconductors. Here, we report the fabrication and transport properties of multilayer TMDC-based in-plane heterostructures. The multilayer in-plane heterostructures are formed through CVD growth of multilayer MoS2 from the edges of mechanically exfoliated multilayer flakes of WSe2 or NbxMo1-xS2. In addition to the in-plane heterostructures, we also confirmed the vertical growth of MoS2 on the exfoliated flakes. For the WSe2/MoS2 sample, an abrupt composition change is confirmed by cross-sectional high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Electrical transport measurements reveal that a tunneling current flows at the NbxMo1-xS2/MoS2 in-plane heterointerface, and the band alignment is changed from a staggered gap to a broken gap by electrostatic electron doping of MoS2. The formation of a staggered gap band alignment of NbxMo1-xS2/MoS2 is also supported by first-principles calculations.

Association between coronary artery calcium and thoracic spine bone mineral density: Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previously, osteoporosis and coronary artery disease were considered unrelated. However, beyond age, these two conditions appear to share common etiologies that are not yet fully understood. We examined the relationship between thoracic spine bone mineral density (BMD) and severity of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. METHODS AND RESULTS: MESA is a prospective cohort study of 6814 men and women between the ages of 45 and 84 years, without clinical cardiovascular disease. This study included participants who underwent non-contrast chest CT scans to determine CAC score and thoracic spine BMD. The thoracic spine BMD was categorized into osteoporosis (defined as T score: ≤ -2.5), osteopenia (T-score between: -2.5 and -1) and normal BMD (T-score ≥ -1). There were 3392 subjects who had CAC >0 at baseline. The prevalence of CAC >0 was 36% in normal BMD group, 49% in the osteopenia and 68% in osteoporosis group. After adjusting for risk factors of atherosclerosis, in multivariate regression models we found a significant association between CAC and osteoporosis (OR: 1.40, 95% CI 1.16-1.69, p value < 0.0004). Furthermore, we stratified our results by gender and found a statistically significant association in both men and women. CONCLUSION: Results from this cross-sectional analysis of a large population based ethnically diverse cohort indicate a significant inverse relationship between thoracic BMD and CAC in both genders independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. Future studies need to explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms relating BMD and coronary artery calcification.

TYRP1 Protects Against the Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress of Retinal Ganglion Cells by Binding to PMEL.

OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to dissect the function of TYRP1 and PMEL in glaucomatous animal and cell models. METHODS: A chronic ocular hypertension (COH) rat model was induced in the right eyes of rats through the electrocoagulation of superficial iris veins. In addition, an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-retinal ganglion cell (RGC) model was constructed through OGD. TYRP1 and PMEL expression was altered in the animal and cell models to explore their effects. RESULTS: TYRP1 and PMEL expression was poor in glaucoma patients, COH rats, and OGD-RGCs. Mechanistically, TYRP1 interacted with PMEL to upregulate PMEL in OGD-RGCs. TYRP1 overexpression enhanced viability and diminished apoptosis and oxidative stress of OGD-RGCs, which was abolished by PMEL knockdown. TYRP1 upregulation reduced intraocular pressure, RGC apoptosis, and oxidative stress in COH rats, which was reversed by PMEL knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: TYRP1 elevates PMEL expression to reduce RGC apoptosis and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro.

Ureteral- artificial iliac artery fistula: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ureteral-iliac artery fistula is a rare disease resulting from the pathological connection between the ureter and iliac artery, with artificial iliac artery-ureteral fistula being rarer. Iliac artery ureteral fistula is challenging to diagnose, and the misdiagnosis and mortality rates are high. CASE SUMMARY: A case of artificial iliac artery ureteral fistula was reported in this paper. The patient was a 69-year-old male with paroxysmal painless hematuria. The artificial iliac artery ureteral fistula was diagnosed by angiography. The hematuria was stopped after intravascular embolization, and no bleeding occurred after 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Ureteral arterial fistula should be considered when inconspicuous hematuria with previous iliac vessels is encountered in addition to local ureteral surgery history. A rapid endovascular approach is recommended for fistula identification.

Peripheral iridectomy for glaucoma is more effective than compound trabeculectomy and significantly reduces Hcy and hs-CRP levels.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of peripheral iridectomy and compound trabeculectomy for glaucoma and the changes in homocysteine (Hcy) and hypersensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels before and after treatment. METHODS: Altogether 104 patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma who were admitted from February 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled in this study for a retrospective analysis. Among them, 49 cases treated by peripheral iridectomy were considered as the research group, and 55 treated by compound trabeculectomy were seen as the control group. The intraocular pressure (IOP), vision, anterior chamber depth (ACD), surgical efficiency and complications before and after surgery was compared between the two groups of patients. Patients' venous blood was collected before and after treatment to test the Hcy and hs-CRP levels, and the relationship between the levels and treatments was analyzed. The ROC curves of Hcy and hs-CRP diagnostic efficacy after treatment were also plotted, and the relationship between Hcy and hs-CRP and patient outcomes was tested by Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There were no marked differences in IOP, vision and ACD between the two groups before surgery (P>0.05). After surgery, the IOP was dramatically lower, and ACD and vision were dramatically higher in the research group than those in the control group (P<0.01). Compared to the control group, the treatment success rate in the research group was markedly higher, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower. There was no difference in Hcy and hs-CRP levels before surgery between the two groups (P>0.05). After surgery both Hcy and hs-CRP levels decreased (P<0.05), and levels in the research group were lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Patients with better outcomes had lower postoperative Hcy and hs-CRP levels (P<0.05). ROC curves of the diagnostic efficacy of Hcy and hs-CRP after treatment manifested that the areas under the curve were >0.7. Both Hcy and hs-CRP levels were found to be negatively correlated with patient outcomes by Pearson correlation coefficient (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of peripheral iridotomy for glaucoma is better than that of compound trabeculectomy. Monitoring Hcy and hs-CRP levels in patients before and after surgery can effectively assess clinical outcomes as well as the safety of the procedure.

Clinical Application of Foldable Capsular Vitreous Bodies in the Treatment of Severe Ocular Trauma and Silicone Oil Dependent Eyes.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the application of a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) in the treatment of severe ocular trauma and silicone oil (SO) dependent eyes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical application of FCVB in the treatment of severe ocular trauma and SO dependent eyes. The results of best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation, B-scan ultrasonography or color Doppler ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and anterior segment photography were recorded during follow-up. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in IOP before and after FCVB implantation. Results: Seven eyes of seven patients were included in the 6-month follow-up. In all cases, B-scan ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy showed that FCVB adapted closely to the globe wall and ciliary body, thus supporting the retina. Visual acuity did not improve, except in one case from LP to HM. The mean ± SD IOP was 8.5 ± 1.90 mm·Hg prior to FCVB implantation and 10.43 ± 0.98 mm·Hg after implantation, with no significant difference between these measurements (P=0.095). Five of the seven patients developed differing degrees of corneal opacity and keratopathy. Conclusions: FCVB implantation may be a safe and effective method for the treatment of severe ocular trauma and SO dependent eyes. However, FCVB cannot prevent the phthisis of the traumatic eyes. In addition, corneal opacity and keratopathy are potentially serious complications after surgery. Appropriate case selection and proper surgical timing are required for further investigation.

Continuous Color-Tunable Light-Emitting Devices Based on Compositionally Graded Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Alloys.

The diverse series of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) materials has been employed in various optoelectronic applications, such as photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, and lasers. Typically, the detection or emission range of optoelectronic devices is unique to the bandgap of the active material. Therefore, to improve the capability of these devices, extensive efforts have been devoted to tune the bandgap, such as gating, strain, and dielectric engineering. However, the controllability of these methods is severely limited (typically ≈0.1 eV). In contrast, alloying TMDCs is an effective approach that yields a composition-dependent bandgap and enables light emissions over a wide range. In this study, a color-tunable light-emitting device using compositionally graded TMDC alloys is fabricated. The monolayer WS2 /WSe2 alloy grown by chemical vapor deposition shows a spatial gradient in the light-emission energy, which varies from 2.1 to 1.7 eV. This alloy is incorporated in an electrolyte-based light-emitting device structure that can tune the recombination zone laterally. Thus, a continuous and reversible color-tunable light-emitting device is successfully fabricated by controlling the light-emitting positions. The results provide a new approach for exploring monolayer semiconductor-based broadband optical applications.

Protective Effect of Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines against Progression of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta Variant Infections to Pneumonia in Beijing, China, in 2022.

This real-world study explores the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inactivated vaccines on the prevention of asymptomatic or mild Delta or Omicron variant infections progressing to pneumonia. Association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia cases and vaccination was measured with a multivariable logistic regression, stratified by genotype and age groups. We recruited 265 cases (111 (41.9%) infected with Delta and 154 (58.1%) with Omicron variants). There were 22 asymptomatic infected individuals, 156 mild cases without pneumonia, and 87 moderate cases with pneumonia. There was a markedly increased risk of progression to pneumonia in Delta infected cases, unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated COVID-19 patients with diabetes and those aged ≥60 years. Patients who had completed booster doses of inactivated vaccines had a reduced risk of 81.6% (95% CI: 55.6−92.4%) in progressing to pneumonia over those who were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. The risk of progressing to pneumonia was less reduced by 88.7% (95% CI: 56.6−97%) and 73.9% (95% CI: 1.4−93.1%) among Delta and Omicron-infected patients, and was reduced by 78.5% (95% CI: 45.3−91.6%) and 94.1% (95% CI: 21.5−99.6%) among patients aged <60 and ≥60 years, respectively. Our data indicated that a complete vaccination with a booster reduced the risk of asymptomatic or mild Delta or Omicron variant COVID-19 progressing to pneumonia and, thus, reduced the pressure of severe illness on medical resources.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Risk Factors Among Chinese Adults: Results from a Population-Based Study - Beijing, China, 2017-2018.

What is already known about this topic?: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most easily available health indicative markers for cardiovascular diseases, and it has become a major public health problem worldwide due to increasing urbanization and aging populations. The prevalence of MetS increased dramatically in China, however, there are no records of MetS defined by the 2017 Chinese Diabetes Society for Beijing by far. What is added by this report?: In this study, the data of 24,412 participants aged 18-74 years from a large population-based study in Beijing was collected. The overall prevalence of MetS among Beijing residents was 24.5%. The prevalence was 35.2% in males and 15.4% in females. What are the implications for public health practice?: Effective public health strategies should target males, people with older age, lower education, higher body mass index, smokers, those who drink alcohol, those who are unemployed or retired, and those who live in rural areas on MetS prevention and control.

Twist Angle-Dependent Molecular Intercalation and Sheet Resistance in Bilayer Graphene.

Bilayer graphene (BLG) has a two-dimensional (2D) interlayer nanospace that can be used to intercalate molecules and ions, resulting in a significant change of its electronic and magnetic properties. Intercalation of BLG with different materials, such as FeCl3, MoCl5, Li ions, and Ca ions, has been demonstrated. However, little is known about how the twist angle of the BLG host affects intercalation. Here, by using artificially stacked BLG with controlled twist angles, we systematically investigated the twist angle dependence of intercalation of metal chlorides. We discovered that BLG with high twist angles of >15° is more favorable for intercalation than BLG with low twist angles. Density functional theory calculations suggested that the weaker interlayer coupling in high twist angle BLG is the key for effective intercalation. Scanning transmission electron microscope observations revealed that co-intercalation of AlCl3 and CuCl2 molecules into BLG gives various 2D structures in the confined interlayer nanospace. Moreover, before intercalation we observed a significantly lower sheet resistance in BLG with high twist angles (281 ± 98 Ω/□) than that in AB stacked BLG (580 ± 124 Ω/□). Intercalation further decreased the sheet resistance, reaching values as low as 48 Ω/□, which is the lowest value reported so far for BLG. This work provides a twist angle-dependent phenomenon, in which enhanced intercalation and drastic changes of the electrical properties can be realized by controlling the stacking angle of adjacent graphene layers.

Influences of Rapamycin on Retinal Ganglion Cells in Rats with Acute High Intraocular Pressure Through Regulating COX-2.

The study aimed to explore the influences of rapamycin on the retinal ganglion cells in rats with acute high intraocular pressure through regulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the normal group (n=12), model group (n=12) and rapamycin group (n=12). The rats in the normal group were normally fed, those in the model group were prepared the model of acute high intraocular pressure and injected with normal saline, and those in the rapamycin group were given rapamycin. At 7 d after the operation, sampling was performed. The expressions of COX-2 and Caspase-3 were detected via immunohistochemistry, and their protein expressions were determined using Western blotting (WB). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to measure the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels, and cell apoptosis was evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The content of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with those in the normal group, the positive expression levels rose substantially in the other two groups, and those in the rapamycin group were notably lower (p<0.05). The relative protein expression levels in the model group and rapamycin group were higher, and the rapamycin group exhibited remarkable decreases (p<0.05). In comparison with the normal group, the other two groups had considerably raised relative mRNA expression levels and those in the rapamycin group were lower (p<0.05). The cells in the model and rapamycin groups had a higher apoptosis rate, and the apoptosis rate of cells in the rapamycin group was lower (p<0.05). Compared with that in the normal group, the content of IL-6 and TNF-α was elevated in the other two groups and their content in the rapamycin group was lower. Rapamycin inhibits COX-2 to repress inflammation and apoptosis, thereby exerting a protective effect on the retinal ganglion cells in rats with acute high intraocular pressure.

Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in North China.

PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in north China, and to evaluate the effectiveness of different ROP screening criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The screening data of premature infants were collected from 2016 to 2021. The severity of ROP was graded according to the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (2005). And the treatment for ROP followed the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group. The effects of gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) on the incidence and severity of ROP were evaluated. The screening data were also analyzed using different ROP screening guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 4069 infants underwent ROP screening, and 728 infants (17.9%) were diagnosed with ROP. Of those, 78 infants (1.9%) received treatments. Gestational age and BW showed significant differences between infants with and without ROP (29.1 ± 2.1w vs. 32.9 ± 2.6w, p < 0.001; 1362.7 ± 427.3 g vs. 1751.9 ± 509.4 g, p < 0.001; respectively). Fifty-six infants (7.69%), 188 infants (25.82%), and 104 infants (14.29%) in all infants with ROP would have been missed according to the China, USA, and UK screening guidelines respectively. If GA ≤ 33 weeks and/or BW ≤ 2100 g were considered as screening criteria, only one infant (0.14%) with critical systemic illness was missed diagnosed with severe ROP. CONCLUSION: Gestational age and BW are major risk factors for the incidence and severity of ROP. And the incidence and treatment rate of ROP in Tianjin is similar to that reported in the other regions of China. Modified ROP screening criteria were considered to be more effective in Tianjin.

Embryonic stem cells-derived exosomes enhance retrodifferentiation of retinal Müller cells by delivering BDNF protein to activate Wnt pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was intended to investigate the role of embryonic stem cell-derived exosomes (ESC-Exos) in Müller cell retrodifferentiation and their specific mechanism. METHODS: Following co-incubation of the extracted ESC-Exos and Müller cells, their effects on the retrodifferentiation and proliferation of Müller cells were measured by EdU staining, immunofluorescence, and western blot. ESCs transfected with small interfering RNA of BDNF were co-incubated with Müller cells to determine Müller cell proliferation and retrodifferentiation. ß-catenin expression in the nucleus and GSK-3ß phosphorylation were measured to determine the role of the Wnt pathway in Müller cells. The function of the retina in RCS rats was observed using flash electroretinogram. RESULTS: Co-incubation of ESCs with Müller cells or overexpression of BDNF contributed to Müller cell retrodifferentiation and proliferation, as evidenced by increased cell proliferation, fluorescence intensities of proliferation markers and retinal stem cell markers, and expression of BDNF and ß-catenin, and suppressed GSK-3ß phosphorylation. However, co-incubation with ESCs silencing BDNF or treatment with GW4869 inhibited the proliferation and retrodifferentiation of retinal Müller cells. In addition, exosome injection increased BDNF, BrdU, PH3, SOX2, and Pax6 expression, enhanced ß-catenin expression in the nucleus, diminished GSK-3ß, and improved retinal degeneration in RCS rats. CONCLUSION: ESC-Exos accelerated Müller cell retrodifferentiation and proliferation through Wnt pathway activation by delivering BDNF protein to Müller cells.

Magnon-Coupled Intralayer Moiré Trion in Monolayer Semiconductor-Antiferromagnet Heterostructures.

Moiré fringe patterns created by stacking different 2D layered materials as artificial van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have become a novel platform to study and engineer optically generated excitonic properties. The moiré patterns contribute to the formation of spatially ordered excitonic states (excitons and trions), which can be used in the quantum simulation of many-body systems and ensembles of coherent quantum light emitters. The intriguing moiré excitonic properties are affected by and controlled via the interaction with magnetic elements. Here, a moiré excitonic system interacting with the magnetic elementary excitation of antiferromagnetic orders in MoSe2 /MnPS3 vdW heterostructures is reported. The low-temperature photoluminescence spectra with additional fine spectral structures on the low-energy side, which are coupled magnon-trion peaks below the Néel temperature of MnPS3 , are carefully investigated. The fine spectral structures with long lifetime and coherence time are assigned to intralayer trion-magnon complexes trapped in the moiré potentials (moiré trion-magnon complexes). These findings highlight the emergence of moiré trion-magnon complexes and provide a new way to explore novel quantum phenomena in moiré excitonic systems with magnetic functionalities.